The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says it is investigating after an unprovoked attack early Wednesday that resulted in a man’s pant leg being set on fire.

Police say the 57-year-old was sitting on a bench near Beach Avenue and Davie Street shortly before 1 a.m. when an unknown suspect approached him.

“Without warning or provocation, the suspect threw a liquid accelerant onto the victim’s pant leg and ignited it with a lighter before fleeing the scene,” the VPD said in a news release.

“No words or threats were exchanged prior to the assault.”

Fortunately, the man was able to stamp out the fire and was not injured, police say.

Officers say they searched the area but did not find the suspect, who is described as being around 5’8″ with an average build. He was wearing dark clothing with “white around his neck.”

“This was a completely unprovoked, random attack,” said Const. Darren Wong.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to call the VPD non-emergency line as soon as possible at 604-717-3321.